During my sophomore year at Wilbur-Creston High School, I faced one of the most difficult personal challenges of my life by overcoming severe social anxiety. For years, I struggled with speaking or performing in front of others, often avoiding situations where attention would be placed on me. This feat intensified after the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I lost a lot of the social interaction I depended on. By the time I returned to school, even simple activities felt overwhelming. In January, my band director introduced the opportunity to audition for the Northeast Washington Music Educators Association Bi-County Honor Band, a program that brings together students from multiple schools to perform at a high level. I decided to audition into this program for first chair clarinet which is a leadership position responsible for guiding the section. Choosing to audition was a major step for me. It meant confronting my fear of being judged and performing in front of others, something I had avoided for years. Preparing for the audition required both technical practice and mental determination. I spent extra time rehearsing my music with my friends and by myself, but more importantly, I pushed myself to become comfortable with being heard. Even walking into the band room to record my audition with my director was intimidating, but I reminded myself that growth only happens outside of comfort zones. When I was accepted into the honor band and attended my first rehearsal, I felt terrified surrounded by talented musicians from other schools. I doubted my abilities and worried about making any mistakes. However, as rehearsals continued, I began to shift my perspective. I realized that the performance was not about being judged individually, but about contributing to something larger as a group. That understanding helped me relax and focus on the music. By the time of the final performance, I was very nervous but I was able to play with confidence and pride. What once felt impossible (performing in front of an audience) became an achievement I was genuinely proud of. More importantly, this experience changed how I view myself. I no longer let fear control my decisions, and I've become more willing to take risks and participate in new opportunities. Overcoming my social anxiety through this experience has had a lasting impact on my life. It has motivated me to continue stepping outside my comfort zone and has strengthened my confidence both in and out of the classroom. What started as a frightening challenge became a defining moment of personal growth, showing me that I am capable of far more than I once believed.

Well, I have a couple of my high school teachers who deeply influenced me and changed how I saw/approach my life. First, Ms. Tyus, who is our kindergarten teacher including my cheer coach. I'm a teacher's assistant for her, and she has helped me come out of my shell around others and shown that no one is judging me 24/7. She's taught me how to control some of my anxiety around others and how to calm myself down and realize that I'm okay and everything will pass by and get better for me. She makes sure I have my homework and classwork done and checks on me all the time to see if I'm okay and healthy. Another teacher who deeply influenced me very deeply was my band teacher, Ms. Lenssen. She was our last year band teacher she just got out of college and came to our school. She has a lot of the same hobbies and interests I do, so we instantly bonded. She helped me with my stage fright and showed that life isnt just bad and that there are so many more amazing things out there for me. She helped me figure out what I actually wanted to do in my life. I used to just give up and think, "I can't do this," especially with work or struggling with playing my instrument. She helped me realize that I'm an important person and that I matter no matter what, and that even if i didnt think so, I would be successful and have a great future. I honestly wouldn't be here right now, sending this application, if it weren't for these two teachers. They both helped me in different ways and showed me that the world isnt as horrible as I thought in the first place. Made me realize that I actually do matter and my feelings matter, and I'm accepted here. They both made me feel welcome in the Wilbur community and come out of my comfort zone more then i ever had. They were always there if I was upset, and I usually have a hard time bottling things in, and with them, I know that I can trust them and tell them what is bugging me in that moment. They made my school years at Wilbur amazing, when i left lake roosevelt i never thought that my time at Wilbur would be any better, but it's actually WAY much better. I'm forever grateful for them, and I hope that I will get to see them for most of my life so that I can repay all the gratitude, respect, and loyalty they deserve, even if I was a troubled kid sometimes and sometimes didn't listen to their instructions.